Bracket stand system and method for pouring concrete decking

ABSTRACT

An improved system and method for pouring elevated concrete decking within a frame and backing surface area, wherein deck straps help hold the frame in position relative to the backing surface. The invention involves a bracket stand configured to elevate lower ends of deck straps above the backing surface such that wet concrete can enter the space between the lower end of the deck strap and the backing surface. The bracket stand has a platform elevated by a stable plurality of legs, the tips of which rest on the backing surface. The lower end of the deck strap and bracket stand are secured to the backing surface by one or more fasteners. When the backing surface is removed, a minimal portion of the bracket stand and fasteners is all that might protrude from the underside of the concrete decking. Depending upon the materials, these protruding portions are easily removed.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/322,364, filed on Mar. 22, 2022.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a stand for a support bracket foruse in pouring and forming concrete decking in construction. Theinventive stand has particular application in the pouring and forming ofelevated platforms consisting of concrete decking.

Prior art methods for the pouring and forming of concrete deckingtypically involve constructing a perimeter frame and, particularly inthe case of elevated platforms, a backing or bottom surface. A series ofsupport braces or deck straps are typically disposed around theperimeter frame to help maintain its vertical position relative to thebacking as the weight of the concrete bears on the frame. Each deckstrap is typically fixed to the backing or bottom surface through one ormore bolts or braces that extend completely through the backing orbottom surface.

Once the poured concrete is completely set, the backing or bottomsurface is removed. When the support brackets are fixed directly to thebacking surface, the concrete is unable to get between the deck strapand the backing surface. Once the backing surface is removed, it isoften found that the lower end of the deck strap protrudes from theunderside of the concrete decking. To finish the concrete decking, anyprotruding deck straps must be cut away, whether by grinding or othermachining. This removal of protruding deck straps adds extra steps tothe construction process and add extra time to finishing an elevatedconcrete decking—requiring lifts or scaffolding and movement of the sameto each protruding deck strap. In multi-story buildings, such ashigh-rise structures, these extra steps can greatly increase the timeand expense involved.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved apparatus or method thataddresses these drawbacks. The present invention fulfills these needsand provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a bracket stand that provides anelevated and simple connection between the deck strap and the backing orbottom surface of a border frame for receiving wet concrete to hardeninto concrete decking. A deck strap typically secures at an upper end toa top edge of the border frame and at a lower end to the backing surfaceso as to maintain the position and orientation of the border framerelative to the backing surface.

In general, the inventive bracket stand includes a base or platformconfigured to receive an end of the decks trap in a fixed manner. Theend of the deck strap may be attached to the stand using a by a strap,channel, or similar boundary enclosure, One or more legs or posts areprovided to elevate the base or platform above the backing or bottomsurface. Preferably, there are a plurality of legs to provide stability.In setting up the concrete frame, the stand and decks trap should befastened to the backing or bottom surface, but the fastener need notpass completely through the backing or bottom surface. The fastener maybe a nail, a screw, a bolt, a strap, or similarly known fastener.

After the concrete is poured and it has hardened sufficiently, the framecan be removed, as well as the backing or bottom surface. Because thefasteners connecting the stand to the backing or bottom surface do notpass all the way therethrough, the backing or bottom surface can beremoved with little additional work, i.e., lifting, cutting, andremoving. The deck strap and inventive stand are formed within thehardened concrete decking and remains there. No portion of the deckstrap should protrude through the bottom of the concrete decking. Atmost, one or more of the fasteners and legs may protrude through thebottom of the concrete decking. The same may be left in place or simplycut-away at a later step of the overall construction process.

The bracket stand system includes a platform elevated by a plurality oflegs with each of the legs configured to rest on the backing surface.The configuration of the platform and legs forms an open spacetherebetween, as well as between the platform and the backing surface.The platform is configured to receive and secure the lower end of thedeck strap. At least two fastener holes are provided through theplatform and are configured to align with at least two complementaryholes in the lower end of the deck strap when the same is received andsecured on the platform. At least two fasteners are configured to passthrough the fastener holes and the complementary holes, so as to connectto the backing surface through the open space.

The platform may include raised side edges and a bracket stop at one endconfigured so as to surround the lower end of the deck strap on threesides when the same is received upon the platform. The platform mayfurther include a bracket band spanning from one side to another sideconfigured so as to secure the lower end of the deck strap when the sameis received on the platform.

Alternative, the platform may include a channel bounded by two sidewalls oppositely disposed, each side wall terminating in an elevatedshoulder that extends toward the other side wall, and an end wallconnected to each side wall. The channel is configured to surround andsecure the lower end of the deck strap when the same is received on theplatform.

At least one of the plurality of legs on the bracket stand has aprotruding tip on an end distal from the platform. The protruding tippreferably has a narrower width than the leg on which is provided. Theprotruding tip is configured to rest on the backing surface. In thisway, when the wet concrete is poured, such may flow between the bottomof the leg and backing surface. Preferably, each of the plurality oflegs has a protruding tip on an end distal from the platform, with eachprotruding tip having a narrower width than the leg on which it isprovided, with each protruding tip configured to rest on the backingsurface. In this way, the wet concrete can flow under each of the legs.

The present invention is further directed to a method for pouring aconcrete decking, where wet concrete is poured within a volume boundedby a frame on top of a backing surface. The method includes providing abracket stand having a platform and a plurality of legs extending inparallel from the platform so as to create an open space beneath theplatform. The legs of the bracket stand are placed on the backingsurface within the frame, such that the open space is between theplatform and the backing surface. An upper end of a deck strap isattached to a top edge of the frame. A lower end of the deck strap ispositioned on the platform of the bracket stand. The lower end of thedeck strap and the bracket stand are secured to the backing surface withone or more fasteners. Wet concrete is poured within the volume boundedby the frame and the backing surface such that the wet concretesurrounds the bracket stand and lower end of the deck strap, includingin the space between the backing surface and the lower end of the deckstrap. The method for pouring concrete decking is completed by removingthe frame and the backing surface after the wet concrete has hardenedinto the concrete decking.

At least one of the legs of the bracket stand has a protruding tip on anend distal from the platform. Such protruding tip has a narrower widththan the leg on which it is provided and the protruding tip isconfigured to rest on the backing surface. Preferably, each of theplurality of legs has a protruding tip on an end distal from theplatform, with each protruding tip having a narrower width than the legon which it is provided. Each protruding tip is configured to rest onthe backing surface.

The providing step involves providing a plurality of bracket standsdepending upon the size of the volume bounded by the frame and thebacking surface. In the case of a plurality of bracket stands, theplacing, attaching, positioning, and securing steps are repeated aplurality of times corresponding to the plurality of bracket stands.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art frame and deck strap used inpouring concrete decking;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the prior art deck strap secured tobacking for concrete decking;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the underside of a concrete decking showingprior art deck straps protruding therethrough;

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of a first embodiment of aninventive stand for use in securing a deck strap in pouring concretedecking;

FIG. 5 is a lowered perspective view of a first embodiment of aninventive stand for use in securing a deck strap in pouring concretedecking;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the first embodiment of the inventive stand;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the inventive stand;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the first embodiment of the inventive stand;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the first embodiment of the inventive stand;

FIG. 10 is a perspective environmental view of the inventive standconnected to a deck strap in a frame used in pouring concrete decking;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the inventive stand with a deck strapinserted and fasteners positioned to insert into fastener holes;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the inventive stand with a deck strapinserted and fasteners inserted into fastener holes;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the inventive stand with a deckstrap inserted and fasteners inserted into fastener holes and backing;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the inventivestand;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of theinventive stand taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the inventivestand with a deck strap being inserted;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the inventivestand with a deck strap fully inserted; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of the second embodiment of theinventive stand with a deck strap inserted and fasteners insertedthrough to the backing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, the bracket stand of the presentinvention is generally referred to by reference numeral 30 in FIGS. 4-18. The individual components of the bracket stand 30 include the centerplatform 32, the legs 34, the bracket band 36, the bracket stop 36 a,and the fastener holes 38.

Prior Art System

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a prior art configuration of a system for forming aframe in pouring concrete decking. This prior art system includes aborder frame 20 with a plurality of fastener bolts 22 securing the frame20 in place. A deck strap or support bracket 24 is secured to an upperedge of the frame 20. A lower end 28 of the deck strap 24 is secured toa backing surface 26 contained within the frame 20. The deck strap 24 issecured directly to the backing surface 26 by fasteners that protrudethrough. This prior art system does not include a bracket stand 30 ofthe present invention.

In the prior art system, concrete is poured into the space bounded bythe frame 20 and backing surface 26. The deck strap 24 secured at oneend to the top edge of the frame 20 and at the other lower end 28directly to the backing surface 26 maintains the border frame 20 in thedesired orientation relative to the backing surface 26 against theweight of the poured concrete. While it is being poured, the concrete isunable to flow between the backing surface 26 and the lower end 28 ofthe deck strap 24. In some instances, the lower end 28 of the deck strap24 may be completely beneath the concrete decking.

Once the concrete is hardened, the border frame 20 and backing surface26 are removed. Because the concrete is generally unable to flow betweenthe backing surface 26 and the deck strap 24, the lower end 28 of thedeck strap 24 almost always protrudes from the underside of the concretedecking and must be grinded or otherwise machined to remove the same.Depending on how much of the lower end 28 of the deck strap 24 isprotruding, this grinding or machining can be time consuming.

In the pouring of elevated concrete decking, the backing surface 26 istypically elevated at least ten feet or more above decking below. Thiselevated distance makes removing the protruding lower ends 28 of thedeck straps 24 a time-consuming process because of the need for laddersor other raising means and moving that raising means across the widesurface area of typical concrete decking in an elevated structure. Thefinishing of the concrete decking cannot be completed until allprotruding lower ends 28 of the deck straps 24 are removed. Thus, theprocess of removing the frame 20 and backing surface 26, and finishingthe concrete decking is delayed until these additional steps can becompleted.

Inventive System

As described above, the inventive bracket stand 30, shown in detail inFIGS. 4-9 , includes a center platform 32, a plurality of legs 34, abracket band 36, a bracket stop 36 a, and one or more fastener holes 38.The center platform 32 has a generally planar surface upon which thelower end of the deck strap 24 is designed to rest, as described below.The plurality of legs 34, preferably in sufficient number to provide astable base for the stand 30, raise the center platform 32 above thebacking surface 26. By raising the center platform 32 above the backingsurface 26, a space 32 a is provided under the lower end 28 of the deckstrap 24 for poured concrete to completely surround the same during thepouring process described below.

Raised side edges 32 b are positioned on either side of the platform 32to more securely hold the deck strap 24. The bracket band 36 passes overthe platform 32 and side edges 32 b to further securely hold the deckstrap 24. The fastener holes 38 preferably number at least two and passthrough the platform 32. The fastener holes 38 also align withcomplementary holes 24 a in the deck strap 24 when the same is fullypositioned on the platform 32. The bracket stop 26 a is positioned atone end of the center platform 32 so as to prevent over insertion of thedeck strap 24 into the bracket band 26. When properly positioned, thecomplementary holes 24 a are fully aligned with the fastener holes 38.

The preferred configuration of the bracket stand 30, support brace 24,and border frame 20 is shown in FIG. 10 . As described, the stand 30elevates the lower end of the deck strap 24 above the backing surface26. Each of the legs 34 may include a protruding tip 34 a to furtherelevate the legs 34 above the backing surface 26 so that the pouredconcrete may further fill in beneath the legs 34 prior to hardening.FIGS. 11-13 illustrate fasteners 40 being inserted into thecomplementary holes 24 a and the fastener holes 38. The fasteners 40 arepreferably nails, screws or similar types of fasteners. Once fullyinserted into the deck strap 24 and stand 30, the fasteners 40 arepartially inserted into the backing surface 26 as shown in FIG. 13 .While not illustrated, the fasteners 40 may extend completely throughthe backing surface 26.

The fasteners 40 help secure the stand 30 in place while the wetconcrete is poured into the frame 20. Because of the space 32 a beneaththe stand 30 the wet concrete is able to fill under and surround thestand 30 to help hold it in place as the concrete presses outwardagainst the frame 20. In addition, by elevating the platform 32 and thelower end of the deck strap 24, the likelihood of the lower end 28 ofthe deck strap 24 protruding from the underside of the concrete deckingis minimized. At most, a portion of the legs 34 may protrude from theunderside of the concrete decking. If the legs 24 include protrudingtips 34 a, even less of the legs 34 is likely to protrude through theconcrete decking. Depending on the material from which the stand 30 ismade, preferably plastic, the process of grinding or machining anyprotruding portion is greatly simplified and shortened. Without theprotruding lower end 28 of the deck strap 24, the concrete decking canbe completed faster and with less manual labor required.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate a second embodiment of the inventive bracketstand 32. In this second embodiment, as opposed to the raised edges 32b, bracket band 36, and bracket stop 36 a, the center platform 32 isbounded by platform walls 42 on three sides forming a channel 44configured to receive the lower end of the deck strap 24. Specifically,the platform 32 includes two side walls 42 a that each end in anelevated shoulder 42 b that extend slightly over the platform 32. Oneend of the platform 32 includes an end wall 42 c that may or may notinclude an elevated shoulder.

The combination of the side walls 42 a, elevated shoulders 42 b and endwall 42 c form the channel 44 configured for receiving the lower end 28of the deck strap 24, as shown in FIGS. 16-17 . The end wall 42 cpreferably does not include an elevated shoulder so that one can seewhen the deck strap 24 is fully inserted into the channel 44. The endwall 42 c functions as a stop to prevent over insertion of the deckstrap 24, at which point the fastener holes 38 are preferably alignedwith the complementary holes 24 a in the deck strap 24. The elevatedshoulders 42 b on the side walls 42 preferably extend only so far as tosecurely hold the lower end 28 of the deck strap 24 without interferingwith the complementary holes 24 a, fastener holes 38, or the insertionof fasteners 40 into the same (FIG. 18 ).

This second embodiment of the stand 30 functions in a similar manner asthe first embodiment when pouring concrete. The platform walls 42provide a sturdier structure for holding the deck strap 24 secure on thestand 30. In the first embodiment, the bracket band 36 may be subject tobreakage or other failure. In addition, in certain instances, the deckstrap 24 may raise up relative to the bracket stop 36 a and pass overthe same such that adjustment is necessary to properly align thecomplementary holes 24 a with the fastener holes 38. The channel 44eliminates this risk and provides a sturdier structure for holding thedeck strap 24 in place against the platform 32. The second embodiment ofthe stand is also easier to manufacture in reliable, repeatablemanufacturing methods.

The inventive stand 30 is preferably made from plastic or similardurable, rigid materials that is easily producible such as by injectionmolding or similar processes. The stand 30 may also be made from metalor other materials that are durable enough to support the deck strap 24and frame 20, while withstanding the forces of pouring concrete decking.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bracket stand system for use in pouringconcrete decking, wherein the concrete decking is poured in a borderframe surrounding a backing surface with a deck strap is affixed at anupper end to the border frame and at a lower end to the backing surface,characterized in that, the bracket stand system comprises: a platformelevated by a plurality of legs, each of the legs configured to rest onthe backing surface such that an open space is formed between theplatform and the backing surface, the platform configured to receive andsecure the lower end of the deck strap; at least two fastener holesthrough the platform and configured to align with at least twocomplementary holes in the lower end of the deck strap when the same isreceived and secured on the platform; and at least two fastenersconfigured to pass through the fastener holes and the complementaryholes, and to connect to the backing surface through the open space. 2.The bracket stand system of claim 1, wherein the platform includesraised side edges and a bracket stop at one end configured so as tosurround the lower end of the deck strap on three sides when the same isreceived upon the platform.
 3. The bracket stand system of claim 2,wherein the platform further includes a bracket band spanning from oneside to another side configured so as to secure the lower end of thedeck strap when the same is received on the platform.
 4. The bracketstand system of claim 1, wherein the platform includes a channel boundedby two side walls oppositely disposed, each side wall terminating in anelevated shoulder that extends toward the other side wall, and an endwall connected to each side wall, the channel configured to surround andsecure the lower end of the deck strap when the same is received on theplatform.
 5. The bracket stand system of claim 1, wherein at least oneof the plurality of legs has a protruding tip on an end distal from theplatform, the protruding tip having a narrower width than the leg,wherein the protruding tip is configured to rest on the backing surface.6. The bracket stand system of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality oflegs has a protruding tip on an end distal from the platform, eachprotruding tip having a narrower width than the leg, wherein eachprotruding tip is configured to rest on the backing surface.
 7. A methodfor pouring a concrete decking, wherein wet concrete is poured within avolume bounded a frame on top of a backing surface, characterized inthat the method for pouring concrete decking comprises: providing abracket stand having a platform and a plurality of legs extending inparallel from the platform so as to create an open space beneath theplatform; placing the legs of the bracket stand on the backing surfacewithin the frame, such that the open space is between the platform andthe backing surface; attaching an upper end of a deck strap to a topedge of the frame; positioning a lower end of the deck strap on theplatform of the bracket stand; securing the lower end of the deck strapand the bracket stand to the backing surface with one or more fasteners;and pouring wet concrete within the volume bounded by the frame and thebacking surface such that the wet concrete surrounds the bracket standand lower end of the deck strap.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein atleast one of the legs of the bracket stand has a protruding tip on anend distal from the platform, the protruding tip having a narrower widththan the leg, wherein the protruding tip is configured to rest on thebacking surface.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the pluralityof legs has a protruding tip on an end distal from the platform, eachprotruding tip having a narrower width than the leg, wherein eachprotruding tip is configured to rest on the backing surface.
 10. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the providing step involves providing aplurality of bracket stands depending upon the size of the volumebounded by the frame and the backing surface.
 11. The method of claim10, wherein the placing, attaching, positioning, and securing steps arerepeated a plurality of times corresponding to the plurality of bracketstands.
 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step ofremoving the frame and the backing surface after the wet concrete hashardened into the concrete decking.